New community space for Old Kent Road launches this April

Southwark Council has created a new community space at 231 Old Kent Road – a place for local residents, businesses, community groups and other partners to share ideas and engage in discussion about the proposals for Old Kent Road and the future of the neighbourhood.

The space will launch with a free exhibition and series of workshops, events and tours starting on 5 April, celebrating the area’s people and history.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning, said: “We are committed to ensuring the local community are at the heart of plans for the Old Kent Road. 231 Old Kent Road will be a place for people in the local community to come together and be part of the changes taking place in the area over the next 20 years.

“As well as being a fixed point for people to see plans and discuss what is happening in the area, 231 Old Kent Road will offer a space for local community groups as well as an exciting programme of exhibitions and events.”

Museum of Us is an exhibition and programme of events, facilitated by New London Architecture – the independent centre for London’s built environment, which brings people and ideas together to shape a better city. The exhibition celebrates Old Kent Road, its trades and people, and will showcase a collection of the community’s rich and diverse history and population, both past and present. The programme of events, workshops and interactive sessions, led by local businesses, organisations and residents, will include leather working, Jesmonite tea coaster making and walking tours of the Old Kent Road’s industry and historic pubs.

Lara Kinneir, Director of New London Architecture, said: “NLA’s 15 year role of bringing people together to shape a better London has been applied to the specific context of Old Kent Road, with a bespoke exhibition and series of events that celebrate the vibrant history of the area, and create a focal point for those interested in getting involved in shaping its future.”

The Museum of Us exhibition will be open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, (8pm on Thursdays and Fridays).

Find out more about the exhibition and events  or book a place at one of the workshops.

The opening of 231 Old Kent Road is the next stage in the council’s ongoing process of conversations and engagement with the local community on the long-term plans for the area. As well as a wide range of consultation events and discussions, monthly forums have been held on Old Kent Road and a new website (this one) has been launched dedicated to Old Kent Road with all the latest news, events and information about the area.